Attachment theory explores the relationship between human mothers and their babies, and suggests that these early bonds affect how that baby will interact with the world in the future. Humans can be securely attached or insecurely attached (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized), but these same patterns of attachment have been observed between cats and their owners! Your cat sees you as their parent, and here are 12 behaviors that prove it.
1. Kneading
If your cat kneads her paws anywhere on your body, she is treating you as she would treat her own mamma cat. Kittens knead their paws on their mother's bellies to stimulate milk, but they continue this behavior past kittenhood to comfort themselves. If your cat is doing this to you, it shows trust and that you are a source of comfort for her.
2. Meowing
At first glance, this may sound strange, because of course your cat meows! But cats don't meow at each other. They have learned this to communicate with us because it mimics the sound of a human baby's cry. While this may sound manipulative, it's actually an ingenious way for cats to get their needs met from their primary caregivers, their attachment figures. Human babies do the same thing. It's about survival, and both babies and cats are brilliant survivalists!
3. Responding to Being Nurtured
Cats know that being nurtured is akin to being loved, and they respond accordingly. If you are the one who feeds and plays with your cat the most, you are likely their "favorite person" in the house. They know that you are their primary caregiver and they thrive under your love.
4. Following You
Cats are normally aloof creatures, but if your cat is following you to the bathroom or snuggling up to you in bed, that's a sure sign that they have bonded with you and they feel safe with you.
5. Mimicking Your Routine
Kittens learn everything from their mothers, and they do this by mimicking them. Since you are mother to your cat, your feline friend is also going to mimic you. This is why routine is so important to cats. Cats sleep when you sleep, they get up when you get up, they even eat breakfast with you. And the world is ending when you break that routine! But never fear, they will make sure that you know it, just like a toddler up past their bedtime.
6. Grieving Your Absence
Back in 2019, I had to leave my cats for a whole month. My friend who took care of them told me that one of my cats, Lucia, hid in my closet the entire time and moped around, depressed. Lucia was grieving my absence. When I returned, you never saw a happier cat! Some cats will display grief when their owners are gone for extended periods or if their owners have passed. This is evidence of a deep emotional bond.
7. Relaxing in Your Presence
If your cat is relaxed when you are present and able to explore their environment or accept affection, this is a sign that they feel secure with you. Securely attached cats run to their owners in greeting after an absence and then feel safe to explore and play.
8. Grooming You
When your cat licks you, they are grooming you, which signifies trust and affection. If you have built a good relationship with your cat, they just might give you a lick or a gentle love nibble.
9. Showing Their Belly
A cat flopping over and showing you her belly is a sign of trust. This is a display of vulnerability reserved only for the most worthy humans.
10. Scent-Marking
Behaviors like head-butting, rubbing their cheeks against you, and brushing your legs with their tails is scent-marking. Essentially, the cat is marking you as their territory, which means that you are a chosen person.
11. Sitting on You
Similar to scent-marking, sitting or laying on you shows that cats believe that you belong to them. It also shows that they feel safe and secure with you.
12. Slow Blinking
Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy calls this the cat "I love you." Want to tell her that you love her back? Look at her and give her some slow blinks in response and feel your bond grow.
Your cat is baby and you are mamma. Don't take this responsibility lightly. Give her all of the nurture and affection that she deserves and watch your relationship blossom as she returns the favor.
Other Sources: Cat Bandit Blog, A-Z Animals.com, SeniorCatWellness.com
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